Are cardinals the hinges of the Catholic Church, or just its princes?

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The title cardinal likely stems from the Latin cardo, meaning pivot or hinge. These senior clergy members serve as the pope's advisors and hold the exclusive power to elect his successor. While often called princes of the Church, modern popes have increasingly pushed back against this regal framing.

The College of Cardinals functions as the central administrative body of the Catholic Church, particularly during the vacancy of the Holy See. While their origins trace back to the 6th-century deacons of Rome, their role has evolved from local Roman clergy to a global advisory body. Today, cardinals are typically bishops or archbishops from around the world, though they are formally linked to Rome through the assignment of a titular church upon their creation.

The power to elect a pope was reserved for this group in 1059, and by 1179, the Third Lateran Council established that a two-thirds majority is required for a valid election. Participation in a conclave is restricted to cardinals under the age of 80. While Pope Sixtus V once capped the college at 70 members in 1586, modern popes have frequently exceeded such limits to reflect the Church's international growth, with 240 serving cardinals as of August 2026.

Cardinals are divided into three orders: bishops, priests, and deacons. Cardinal bishops, the most senior, historically presided over suburbicarian sees around Rome, though their relationship to these dioceses is now largely titular. Cardinal priests are the most numerous, often leading major dioceses globally, while cardinal deacons are typically Roman Curia officials or those honored for service late in life. Despite the historical title of prince, Pope Francis has explicitly rejected this status, emphasizing a call to service rather than ecclesiastical power.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The College of Cardinals: From Local Roman Clergy to the Senate of the Church
• The Catholic Church hierarchy is a complex blend of spiritual mission and juridical power.
• The papacy began as a title for many, but became a singular global office.
• Pope once meant any senior bishop; Rome only claimed it later
• The pope's government is older than the Vatican City microstate
• The man behind the 11 million copies of a disco phenomenon
• The city that became a crossroads of coal, rail, and radicalism
• The Tragic Heir: Why King Philip II Imprisoned His Own Son, Don Carlos
• The ancient inns that powered global trade across Asia, Africa and Europe for centuries
• How a Game Boy bribe helped forge a Spanish football star
• How a failed half-hour special became a Star Wars television adventure
• The deep-lying playmaker who mastered the art of the 'unbreakable' assist

More in Cities · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics